By Kate Robitello
In my previous article, I listed the first three steps of my bulletproof list for goal-achievement in 2015. (If you missed that piece, it is still available on mountaintimes.info.) Here are three more tips that will set you up for inevitable success with your health-goals (or any goal for that matter) this year.
Surround yourself with support
We’re all familiar with the phrase “misery loves company,” yet this is also true for non-goal setters, or those who have seemingly “failed” at achieving their goal. They didn’t achieve their goal, so why should you? Unfortunately, when you set any goal, and in this case a health-related one, you need to realize that it is very much about you. Now, I’m not condoning the act of selfishness, however I am stating that your achievement is about your efforts, your thoughts, and the way you want to feel about yourself after you’ve reached success.
This means that the elimination or at least avoidance of certain people needs to happen (you know the Negative Nancies and Neds that I’m referring to). This may be the hardest part of enduring a drastic life change, but is not only worth it, but necessary. Focus on surrounding yourself with those who are uplifting, supportive, loving, kind, and forgiving. Also, reach out to as many people you know that have achieved a similar goal- pick their brains, follow their lead, and learn from their achievements and setbacks–this will save you time and effort and only bring you closer to where and who you want to be in 2015.
Celebrate your “mile markers”
The method of celebration is crucial regarding this tip. For example, if the goal involves getting fit and or healthy, and one perhaps loses a few pounds and begins to see some strength improvement at the gym, celebrating with a night of cocktails and greasy food is nothing short of a terrible idea. This type of “celebration” is in fact a form of self-sabotage that I see all the time- with “cheat days” and “nights out”, it becomes easy to slide back into old habits that inspired the “resolution” in the first place.
A better idea- reward yourself with something that enhances your efforts, like a new outfit or a spa day. These are rewards that will fuel you to work even harder toward your goals, as opposed to working you away from your goals completely and leaving you in a food coma–2 lbs heavier and full of regret. Remember–this is the new you, and the new you has no time for regression.
Positive Affirmations
As I’ve previously gone over, goal achievement is primarily based on your thoughts that create you to take or not take action. On a personal level, one of the most crucial aspects to creating the ability to achieve goals is through positive manifestation that is fueled by affirmations and meditation.
When we affirm that we are [insert chosen affirmation here–fit, healthy, happy, loving, frugal, mindful, etc.], we tend to come into alignment with what we are saying because after we repeat this new belief to ourselves, we begin to actually believe it!
Meditation
Meditation is helpful on an entirely different level. Studies show that meditation is beneficial for a laundry list of reasons, but for this purpose, it allows you to organize your thoughts, clear your mind, and find the ability to take life a bit more lightly (that is, less compulsive thoughts and behavior). This is for my self-proclaimed “overanalyzers”–I beg of you, meditate!
Not only are these free tools, but can take as little as ten minutes, twice daily, and you don’t have to go trekking through the snow to get a refill.
Kate Robitello is a Plant Based Nutritionist (CPBN) and Lifestylist. She works at Pyramid Wellness in Rutland.
